There are so many different things that make me, me. Everyone has these things that make them who they are, but for each person these things are different. This means that everyone is different, but different isn’t bad. What makes people who they are is all their differences. Everyone’s difference is what makes them special.
I am a good swimmer, but some people may not be. Some people have long black hair, but I have long blonde hair. I love dogs, but some people may love cats. I have a lot of things that make me unique, and so does everyone else. Some of us may share our differences and special qualities, but that doesn’t mean they are any less special. Each of these differences is different to every person and has helped make them who they are in a different way. Each person also has one or two qualities that are extra important, and have been an extra big part of their lives. For me, my special difference was my battle with cancer. I’m lucky enough to say that I’m a cancer survivor, but unfortunately many people haven’t been so lucky. This extra important difference of mine has played a bigger role in shaping who I am than the rest of my differences.
When I was seven, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. I went to Boston Children’s Hospital and received chemotherapy for a year. During this year, I had to move across the country for treatment, miss school, miss going out with my friends and experienced a lot of annoying pokes and prods. I wasn’t able to act much like a first grade kid. I lost what many other people got to have, a normal elementary school experience. I had to grow up very quickly and act like a grown-up. Now I have to work extra hard to catch up on all of my schoolwork. I was bald so I had to wear a beanie all the time and I did not like being bald because I have always had long hair. It grew back after awhile.
Cancer taught me to fight through hard situations. I learned from all of my experiences that being calm, remaining positive 
and pushing through is always the best choice. I am proud to say that I was able to survive this and get through this together with my family. All of these reasons are how I flaunt my differences.
